MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Federal prosecutors are trying to make sure the defendants in a multi-state dog fighting investigation don't find out where their pit bills are being held.

Prosecutors in Montgomery say defense attorneys for the dozen defendants have a right to inspect the dogs, but they want a federal judge to issue a protective order barring the defense attorneys from disclosing the dogs' locations to their clients.

Officials say the dogs are being cared for at undisclosed locations by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the Humane Society of the United States. The prosecutors say there have been other dog fighting cases where defendants sought to steal the dogs.

Investigators seized 372 pit bulls in the investigation, which includes defendants from Texas, Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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Georgia church to vote on offer in stadium land deal

ATLANTA (AP) — An Atlanta church congregation will likely vote this week on whether they'll help clear the path for a new football stadium to be built downtown.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports members of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church are expected to meet Thursday and discuss the city's offer of $14.5 million in exchange for space south of the Georgia Dome where the Atlanta Falcons hope to build a new $1 billion, retractable roof stadium.

Mount Vernon is one of two churches that will have to be relocated if the new stadium is to be built on the Falcons' preferred site.

Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed publicly announced the preliminary agreement Friday. The plan calls for the Georgia World Congress Center Authority to pay $6.2 million, and for the Falcons to pay $8.3 million.

Information from: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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Georgia woman arrested on arson, shoplifting charges

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — Police in coastal Georgia say they've arrested a woman accused of lighting a fire inside a Wal-Mart to distract employees and other shoppers while she shoplifted.

Miller says Young lit a fire in a Savannah Wal-Mart on Aug. 20 just before leaving with a shopping cart full of items.

According to Chatham County jail records, Young is being held without bond. It's unclear if she has an attorney.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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Biden: Deepen Georgia harbor 'come hell or high water'

By Russ Bynum, Associated Press

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — The plan to deepen the shipping channel to Savannah's busy seaport to make room for large cargo ships has picked up a big endorsement from Vice President Joe Biden.

During a dockside speech at the Port of Savannah Monday, Biden promised about 500 dockworkers and invited dignitaries that the $652 million harbor deepening project will get done "come hell or high water."

For 17 years, Georgia has been seeking permits and funding to deepen the Savannah harbor from 42 to 47 feet. Timing has become critical as a major expansion of the Panama Canal is expected to funnel gigantic ships to East Coast ports starting in 2015.

SNELLVILLE, Ga. (AP) — Police are searching for a gunman after finding the bodies of three people in Atlanta's northeastern suburbs.

Officers responded to a home in Snellville after someone called 911 to report a domestic dispute in the Gwinnett County community Sunday night.

Gwinnett County police Cpl. Jake Smith says the caller told authorities a man was chasing a woman outside while shooting at her. Officials say 34-year-old Angelina Benton, 19-year-old Raynord Daniel and 12-year-old Joseph McDonald were killed. Smith says the woman's 23-year-old boyfriend was also shot in his leg and is expected to recover.

Smith says the suspect has been identified as 33-year-old Robert Bell. Officials say Benton allowed Bell and his wife to move into her home about two weeks ago, and the motive behind the shooting is unclear.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

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Georgia agency cracks down on subpar childcare centers

ATLANTA (AP) — State officials say they're cracking down on child care centers that have been issued safety violations.

Department of Early Care and Learning Bobby Cagle told WSB-TV that inspectors are taking an especially close look at child care centers that have been cited for failing to check that children have gotten off of buses and vans, for leaving children unattended in vehicles and for not filling out the right paperwork for each child.

Officials say they've issued license revocation notices to eight day care centers and forced the emergency closure of two others since July. Officials say 177 daycare centers have been cited for transportation violations.

Information from: WSB-TV.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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